Recyclable disposable helmet design

Abstract

Throughout recent history numerous changes have been made to the modern bicycle helmet and the laws surrounding this protective equipment. This study develops a recyclable disposable helmet design which can be implemented into a bicycle sharing scheme, (Brisbane’s City Cycle). The helmets requirements are for it to be produced with only recyclable material and manufactured in a moderate amount of time at a low cost. The main scope of the following study is to select and verify a possible material, test the impact energy absorption and load distribution of the material in the form of a helmet. The tests conducted were in accordance with the Australian New Zealand standards AS/NZS 2063:2008.

The investigation includes, current research and implementation of recyclable materials and leads into the analysis of conceptual designs for the helmet. Material analysis has been undertaken with samples of the desired material manufactured and tested to compare with the most common materials currently used. The testing of the final helmet design is then analysed with the outcome and future work for the project discussed.